The launching ceremony of a three-year campaign of girls' protection is held in Guangzhou, capital city of South China's Guangdong Province, on June 9. [Guangdong Women's Federation]

A publicity session aiming to care for and protect girls and help them grow up healthily was held in Zhongshan City, South China's Guangdong Province, on June 24.

Chen Haiyi, a deputy to the 13th National People's Congress and chief judge of the juvenile and family affairs division under the Guangzhou Municipal Intermediate People's Court, gave a lecture on the girls' protection at the event. 

Chen, also a delegate to the 12th National Women's Congress, has made utmost efforts to help troubled teenagers get back on track over the past years, and she was called "mother judge" by the children.

In the lecture, she shared cases of sexual assault on girls that she handled, aiming to tell the participants that girls' protection is everyone's responsibility. Chen suggested that girls should stay away from traps, refuse temptations, avoid being alone indoors and a safe defense net against sexual assault should be built.

"How do we protect ourselves?" Chen said to the students during her speech, "It's necessary to stay away from harmful friends, be careful in online dating, and tell your parents if you have trouble. Don't be afraid of threats; be resolute in resisting school bullying. Teachers, parents, and the school leaders will always be your strong back-up."

Chen also emphasized the responsibility of parents to protect their children. She pointed out that parents should be vigilant if children avoid eye contact, have no interest in studying, or show changes in temperament or abnormities in behavior. She suggested parents not blame children, avoid problems, or deal with problems privately when facing disputes or difficulties.

The lecture was also broadcast through livestreaming, attracting nearly 240,000 viewers.

The publicity session is part of a three-year campaign of girls' protection which was initiated by the Guangdong Women's Federation on June 9. The campaign aims to prevent sexual abuse of girls under 18, promptly deal with cases of sexual abuse of girls, effectively help girls in need, and protect their personal rights and interests in accordance with the law.

According to the Zhongshan Women's Federation, it will work with all sectors of society and use their professionalism and advantages to jointly protect the legitimate rights and interests of girls, 
helping them grow up in a safe and healthy environment.

Chen Haiyi gives a lecture on the girls' protection during the publicity session  held in Zhongshan City, South China's Guangdong Province, on June 24. [Zhongshan Women's Federation]

(Source: China Women's News/Translated and edited by Women of China)